Temple Mount, Jerusalem

by FruitLover
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Temple Mount and Mount of
Olives

General view eastern direction, from top of the tower of Lutheran Church. When visiting the Old City, that's, usually, the place I take my guests to begin with. You have to climb about 200 spiral steps to the top of the tower, and this pic is only 1/5 of the whole view around. The Temple Mount is unique whether viewed from the Mount of Olives, or from the Lutheran church tower, or from the Citadel Museum roof. Normally peaceful with its park like looking, it's hard to believe that this small square of land is the center of the world and the hottest piece of real estate anywhere on earth; And is still a central target for fanatic religious groups who want to destroy parts of it and rebuild the Temple. Imaginary scenes ?? not really. Recent history taught the Israeli security forces to be prepared for any kind of a lunatic operation.

Directions: Old City Jerusalem


	Temple Mount: Al Aqsa Mosque	Tip Rating:

on November 11, 2004

Al Aqsa Mosque

Possibly the most infamous mosque in the world, it gave its name to the second Palestinian Intifada which began in 2000 after Israeli politician (now President) Ariel Sharon made a highly controversial visit. Whereas the Dome of the Rock is largely decorative and symbolic these days, Al Aqsa is a fully functioning mosque, holding prayers every day for up to 5000 visitors at once. It is also much plainer and of less interest to tourists. Like so much in Jerusalem and Israel, when it comes to history there is some blurring between mythology and reality and the mosque's exact origins are unclear. Many believe it was built on the site of a 6th century Byzantine church; others believe it is an 8th century construct by the Umayyads. Also like much of the region, it was hit several times by earthquakes and what exists today bears little resemblance to the original structure.


	Temple Mount: Haram ash Sharif / Temple Mount	Tip Rating:

on November 11, 2004

Muslim girls reading the
Qu'ran

To the Jews it is the Temple Mount, the holiest of holies where the Torah forbids Jews to tread in case they inadvertently step on the long-hidden tombs and destroyed temples of the ancient Jewish kings. To Muslims it is Haram ash-Sharif, where Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven. For both religions, it's also purported to be the site where Abraham was instructed by God to sacrifice his son Isaac. Whatever, it's one of the holiest and most hotly disputed pieces of land anywhere on earth. It's also Jerusalem's most famous tourist attraction and the huge golden dome of the Haram ash-Sharif mosque can be found on about a million different postcards.


	Temple Mount: The Dome of the Rock	Tip Rating:

on November 11, 2004

Haram ash-Sharif

Underneath the enormous golden dome that can be seen from miles around the city, is the sacred rock where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son on God's command, and later where Prophet Mohammed was taken up to heaven. It is one of the oldest Islamic monuments in the world, built between AD 688 and 691during the Umayyad empire, and the original building was twice the size it is today. It is now considered the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. While the golden dome is the most immediately eye-catching feature, the colourfully tiled decoration and intricate Qu'ranic writing around the outside walls makes it one of the most attractive mosques anywhere. The massive rock is encased inside but access to the mosque is very limited since the start of the second Intifada and it is largely a ceremonial symbol.


	Temple Mount: Temple Mount / Haram ash-Sharif	Tip Rating:

Updated By jadedmuse

on March 23, 2008

by jadedmuse
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Since the Palestinian Al-Aqsa Intifada back in September of 2000, this area is now guarded by a wary Israeli security. Whereas non-Muslims were permitted to visit the complex and for a fee, also enter the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosques within, this latest intifada changed all of that. Access is now limited to entering the complex and walking around the outside of both mosques (note: Muslims are still permitted to enter the mosques). I was fortunate enough to have visited here in 1999 and again in 2000, before the intifada took place. I saw both the inside of the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa mosque. Update: My last trip here was December 2004, and apparently since then, non-Muslim visitors ARE now allowed inside the Dome of the Rock. That being the case, do not miss this opportunity.

Directions: Old City Jerusalem


	Temple Mount: The Lie Detector Dome	Tip Rating:

on November 11, 2004

The Dome of the Chain

In front of the huge Dome of the Rock is a smaller, plainer copycat dome with an open arched interior. This is the Dome of the Chain and it was apparently a prototype for the larger version and was also used as a treasury. The name "Dome of the Chain" is supposed to come from an old legend whereby Solomon invented an early version of the lie detector. He hung a chain from the dome and anyone who lied while holding it would be struck by lightning.


	Temple Mount: Stairs of the Scales of Souls	Tip Rating:

Updated By mafi_moya

on November 11, 2004

Stairs of the Scales of
Souls

The steps leading up to the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock are apparently of greater significance to Muslims than simply being the way to get to Haram ash-Sharif... Word has it that on Judgment Day, scales will be hung from each of the arches on each set of steps surrounding the square (there are 7 in all) and these will be used to weigh the souls of the dead.


	Temple Mount: Southern Wall	Tip Rating:

Updated By FruitLover

on January 27, 2008

by FruitLover, 1 more photos
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Southern Wall & Al-Aksa Mosque
at dusk

Excavations here are important to understand the Temple Mount. Main findings: - First Century Street before the city's destruction by the Romans in 70 A.D. - Trumpeting Stone. The priests signalled the start of Shabbat and festival days by blowing the shoffar from this point. - Southern Steps leading to the main entrances of the Temple Mount. - Mikveh. Public ritual bathing installations.

Directions: Old City Jerusalem

Website: http://www.bibleplaces.com/southerntm.htm


	Temple Mount: Temple Mount	Tip Rating:

Updated By ophiro

on June 21, 2006

by ophiro
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The western wall and the dome
of the rock above

The temple mount (in hebrew it is Har Ha'ba'it) is the most holy place for the Jews and one of the most holy places for the arabs. The first temple and also the second temple of the jews were here and now you can see the muslim's Dome of the rock and El-Aqsa mosque. The dome of the rock is a building with a huge golden dome that was built in 690. Very close to this place you will find the western wall (Ha'kotel Ha'ma'ra'vi in hebrew). The temple mount is a place of political conflict between jews and arabs and i hope it will end someday.

Directions: Old City Jerusalem


	Temple Mount: Dome Of The Rock Or Qubah Al-Sakhrah Mosque	Tip Rating:

By imran8852

on April 4, 2007